The median home value here is around $467,800, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,907/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Worth the trade-offs? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
27 upvotes
12 Replies
Lydia Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Seattle about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
houstonheart2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Lydia
underrated comment
37 upvotes
Ella Miller
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Riverside area are decent. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
chill_wyatt53
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
happy_quinn28
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
real_emma90
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
29 upvotes
Jace Foster
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Pittsburgh it's improving.
27 upvotes
John Reed
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Valentina Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Bella Howard
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Audrey Adams
Used to live on the South side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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